Beanwood
Administrator
Benson has just finished a course of Cartrophen injections, a course of 4 injections over a 4 week period. I thought it might be useful to write a few notes on indications for Cartrophen, as well as our personal experiences. 
When is Cartrophen (active substance Pentosan Polysulphate Sodium) indicated for use?
Treatment of lameness and pain of degenerative joint disease/osteoarthritis (non-infectious arthrosis) in the skeletally mature dog.
This largely depends on the individual dog. In the main, it seems better to use in the early treatment of osteoarthritis in dogs, as part of a multi-modal regime of O/A management. This means weight management, good nutrition as well as dietary supplementation and physiotherapy. Osteoarthritis in dogs is where the joints become damaged through wear and tear, often due to surface irregularities, which can be due to various causes, genetics, trauma, environment for example. Early identification and treatment can really help. Whilst it is really upsetting to hear our dogs have joint problems, having a good care plan in place can make the world of difference. Subtle changes in gait, reluctance to exercise, stiffness, even reactivity can all be symptoms of joint discomfort. The problem with joint discomfort is that it leads to changes in gait, muscle imbalance which in turn can lead to more irregular joint remodelling.
So how does Cartropen work?
Cartrophen works directly on the soft tissue surrounding the joint and is known clinically as a "disease modifying drug" (DMARD) It has a couple of different mechanisms which are known to protect and support the chondrocytes (which work at maintaining a healthy cartilaginous matrix which surrounds the joint) This helps promote a more "fluid" joint.
What advice have I been given alongside Benson's course of injections?
Benson has just finished a four weekly course. We were advised to go gently on the exercise front, and not use NSAIDs if possible, certainly not within 24 hours of injection, this is due to Cartrophen having an anticoagulant effect. We need the injections to do their job, and not encourage too much activity!
More information on Cartrophen:
canine arthritis UK - Cartrophen Vet
So Benson has just finished his first course. His elbows are definitely less tender and his whole demeanour is best described as more "bouncy". A technical term as this is how it has been written in his notes!
When is Cartrophen (active substance Pentosan Polysulphate Sodium) indicated for use?
Treatment of lameness and pain of degenerative joint disease/osteoarthritis (non-infectious arthrosis) in the skeletally mature dog.
This largely depends on the individual dog. In the main, it seems better to use in the early treatment of osteoarthritis in dogs, as part of a multi-modal regime of O/A management. This means weight management, good nutrition as well as dietary supplementation and physiotherapy. Osteoarthritis in dogs is where the joints become damaged through wear and tear, often due to surface irregularities, which can be due to various causes, genetics, trauma, environment for example. Early identification and treatment can really help. Whilst it is really upsetting to hear our dogs have joint problems, having a good care plan in place can make the world of difference. Subtle changes in gait, reluctance to exercise, stiffness, even reactivity can all be symptoms of joint discomfort. The problem with joint discomfort is that it leads to changes in gait, muscle imbalance which in turn can lead to more irregular joint remodelling.
So how does Cartropen work?
Cartrophen works directly on the soft tissue surrounding the joint and is known clinically as a "disease modifying drug" (DMARD) It has a couple of different mechanisms which are known to protect and support the chondrocytes (which work at maintaining a healthy cartilaginous matrix which surrounds the joint) This helps promote a more "fluid" joint.
What advice have I been given alongside Benson's course of injections?
Benson has just finished a four weekly course. We were advised to go gently on the exercise front, and not use NSAIDs if possible, certainly not within 24 hours of injection, this is due to Cartrophen having an anticoagulant effect. We need the injections to do their job, and not encourage too much activity!
More information on Cartrophen:
canine arthritis UK - Cartrophen Vet
So Benson has just finished his first course. His elbows are definitely less tender and his whole demeanour is best described as more "bouncy". A technical term as this is how it has been written in his notes!
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